Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani was commissioned in the Indian Air Force in December, 1961. He has been closely associated with AN-12s right from the beginning and since November, 1978, he is heading the AN-12 overhaul line. During his stay, he had planned and executed 11 overhauls, 6 full life extensions, 14 mid-life extensions, 31 emb odiment of bulletins and special tasks, 7 Category 'B' repairs and 38 Category 'C' repairs.

The sustenance of AN-12 heavy transport fleet is vital and inescapable for the air maintenance of the troops deployed in farflung borders. It is therefore essential that a maximum number of this type of aircraft is kept flight worthy. This calls for elaborate repair schemes, extensive structural checks and incorporation of is large number of modifications. Wg Cdr Gururani with his excellent professional knowledge, meticulous planning, successfully executed the overhaul/ repairs of these aircraft well within a very strict time name, against innumerable odds like shortage of spares, technical expertise and manpower. He showed qualities of leadership, devotion to duty and determination in executing this formidable task.

In rejuvenating this heavy transport fleet and giving a further lease of 5/10 years life, Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani has made a significant contribution to the operational tasks of AN-12 fleet. For the excellent work done by hire, the President is pleased to award VISHISHT SEVA MEDAL to Wing Commander Ghanshyam Gururani.

Air Commodore Ghanshyam Gururani was commissioned in the IAF on 1st December, 1961. As the Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot, he introduced modern concepts of production and material planning and control in the Depot. It resulted in timely completion of provisioning activities and reduction in production hold­ups.

The Air Officer contributed substantially towards the serviceability of the AN-32 and Mi-17 fleet in the year 1991-92 by personally guiding airframe, aeroengine and main gear box life extension studies to fruitful completion. Apart from keeping a large part of these fleet flying, his efforts reduced the dependence of the IAF on foreign expertise and saved considerable foreign exchange.

Anticipating delays in the receipts of the detailed project for overhaul of Mi-17 helicopter, its engine and arrangements, the Air Officer initiated planning for the project with total expertise and data available from Mi-8 helicopter. This avoided a delay of more than one year in the execution of the project.

Air Commodore Ghanshyam Gururani VSM has, thus, rendered distinguished service of an exceptional order.

Air Marshal G Gururani, AVSM, VSM, was commissioned on 01 Dec 61 in the Engineering Branch. He has held the appointment of Chief Engineering Officer at AF Station Agra, Air Officer Commanding of a Base Repair Depot (BRD) at Chandigarh/Assistant Chief of Air Staff (ACAS), Air HQ and Senior Maintenance Staff Officer, HQ Maintenance Command (SMSO, HQ. MC). He was awarded VSM in 1983 and AVSM in 1993.

As ACAS, his dialogue with the original equipment manufacturers of Russia/CIS countries resulted in multifold improvement in supplies/repairs from Russia/CIS countries. During this tenure, he initiated life extension studies with the help of expertise available in the IAF, HAL and DRDO/CSIR labs. As a result life extension schedules were evolved and large scale withdrawals for overhaul in foreign countries were averted resulting in saving of large amount of foreign exchange.

As SMSO, HQ MC, he focused on self reliance and Indigenisation of spares by the repair depots. As Air Officer incharge Maintenance the Air Officer is continuing the thrust on self reliance. Servicing schedules of combat fleets are being revised to eliminate over servicing. Plans have been initiated for in-situ calibration by means of air transportable cabins fitted with calibration equipment. The thrust on procurement of maintenance supplies from original equipment manufacturers is continuing and the results are evident in the form of all round improvement in serviceability. A programme has been initiated to revise the logistics procedures and practices to bring them in line with present realities.

Air Marshal G Gururani, AVSM, VSM has thus rendered distinguished service of the most exceptional order.